In October, BGS US had the opportunity to exhibit at our first trade show in the United States, MD&M Midwest, held October 21–22 in Minneapolis. Representing our team were Leonard Zuba, General Manager, and Jim Arbogast, Quality Manager.
Positioned within the MedTech section, our discussions centered on medical device manufacturing and the vital role that E-Beam sterilization plays in advancing product safety, performance, and reliability. Beyond showcasing our technical capabilities, this event allowed us to connect directly with engineers, OEMs, and service providers working to solve the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Collaboration Over Competition
In an increasingly competitive market, one of the most encouraging takeaways from the show was the depth of discussion around industry collaboration.
“We had thoughtful, forward-looking talks with other E-Beam service providers on how we can work together to scale and enhance the entire sterilization industry for the ultimate benefit of patient care.”
At a time when the sterilization landscape faces evolving regulations, capacity challenges, and supply chain constraints, this willingness to collaborate rather than compete highlights an exciting cultural shift. By aligning around shared goals, the industry can strengthen the foundation of sterilization for both current and future healthcare needs.
Engineers Are Asking the Right Questions
Throughout the show, one question surfaced repeatedly among device engineers: Is E-Beam sterilization right for my product?
“It’s all about material compatibility. Attendees are eager to know the suitability of E-Beam for their current and next-generation devices — specifically, how it handles various polymers, complex metal components, and integrated electronics. The market is actively seeking validated alternatives to EtO and Gamma.”
This curiosity underscores a continuing shift in medical device manufacturing — one that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and patient safety in equal measure. As product designs become more complex, engineers are turning to partners who understand both the science and the nuanced behavior of materials under irradiation.
For BGS US, that means continuing to advance our testing and validation programs, ensuring manufacturers have the data and confidence they need to integrate E-Beam sterilization into their development pipelines.
The Real Bottleneck: Reliability and Partnership
The sterilization supply chain remains one of the most significant bottlenecks across the medical device industry, a reality reinforced through countless conversations during MD&M Midwest.
“Sterilization is a major pain point across the industry. Beyond sheer capacity, manufacturers are demanding superior customer service and partnership. They need a reliable provider that offers clear communication, timely support, and the agility to navigate unpredictable market demands.”
Manufacturers aren’t just looking for capacity; they’re looking for trust. In a market where speed, compliance, and innovation must coexist, the value of a dependable sterilization partner cannot be overstated.
Distilling It Down: Reliability
When asked to capture the key need of medical device manufacturers in one word, the answer came easily:
“Reliability. Prospects are searching for knowledgeable partners that can consistently provide timely solutions. In the medical device space, a collaborative partnership isn’t a bonus — it’s a necessity for meeting regulatory and patient-safety goals.”
At BGS US, reliability is more than a performance metric: it’s a guiding principle. From rigorous validation processes to transparent communication, every element of our operation is designed to help customers achieve consistency, compliance, and confidence.
Looking Ahead
The insights gained, from collaboration and material science to supply chain reliability, reaffirmed our mission: to be more than a service provider. We aim to be a trusted partner in reliability, helping medical device manufacturers bring safer, validated, and timely solutions to market.